Tooth decay

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when biofilm builds up around teeth that aren't cleaned properly. You may find it more difficult to clean your teeth if you wear braces, implants, or dentures.

Other things that can increase your chances of getting gum disease include smoking, diabetes, pregnancy, taking medications that dry out your mouth, or eating too many sugary foods. Aging or having a weak immune system can also make you more susceptible to gum disease.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by the acids in biofilm gradually dissolving the tooth. Biofilm is a sticky film of bacteria that adheres to the teeth. When you eat or drink sugary foods in particular, the bacteria in the biofilm produce acid, which gradually breaks down the tooth surface and causes cavities. If a hole (a cavity) develops in the enamel, the biofilm and bacteria can reach the softer material beneath the enamel called dentin, from where the cavity progresses more rapidly.

What treatments are there for tooth decay?

For very early dental caries, new techniques are available that avoid the need to remove the caries; the tooth can be remineralized without having to fill it.

If you have more advanced decay, the decay will need to be removed and the tooth repaired with a filling. If the nerve of the tooth is damaged, a root canal will be performed to remove the nerve and then repair the tooth with a reconstruction and possibly a rigid restoration. If your tooth is severely decayed, it may not be repairable and will need to be extracted.

How do I prevent tooth decay?

You can help prevent tooth decay by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. It's important to brush thoroughly and cover all tooth surfaces.
• Use interdental brushes or floss to remove biofilm and food between your teeth and where they meet the gums.
• Limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume, especially how often.
• Come see us for regular checkups so we can detect and treat tooth decay early, and we can give you advice on how to properly care for your teeth.

How will my dentist diagnose tooth decay?

It is diagnosed by an intraoral examination of the teeth and asking if you have any symptoms of tooth decay. In the early stages of tooth decay, you may not experience any symptoms. As tooth decay progresses, it may cause pain or sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks, or to heat or cold.

Early tooth decay may appear as a white spot on the tooth, while more advanced decay may appear as a darker spot or hole in the tooth.

X-rays of your teeth may be taken to check for cavities that aren't visible.

What to do if you have a broken, damaged, or decayed tooth?

If you have any of these problems with a tooth, come see us as soon as possible, as early cavities are much easier to treat than advanced cavities. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you have cavities and how we can help treat them.